Trump is a fighter for US troops.
The United States military launched a major emergency operation against ISIS targets in Syria on Friday, delivering swift retaliation after President Donald Trump vowed decisive action for the deaths of two Iowa National Guard soldiers and an American civilian contractor.
Senior defense officials confirmed that U.S. forces carried out a large-scale series of precision strikes aimed at ISIS fighters, weapons depots, and operational facilities in the Palmyra region — the same area where the terrorist group carried out a deadly ambush earlier this month.
The mission, known as Operation Hawkeye Strike, was ordered in direct response to the December 13 attack on U.S. and allied forces supporting counter-terrorism operations in Syria.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation in a public statement, emphasizing that the action was defensive, targeted, and necessary to protect American lives.
“This operation sends a clear message,” Hegseth said. “The United States will act quickly and decisively when Americans are harmed. Under President Trump’s leadership, our military will not hesitate to defend our people.”
Military officials said the coordinated strikes involved U.S. Air Force aircraft, Army aviation units, and long-range precision systems. The mission focused on dismantling ISIS infrastructure used to plan and support attacks in the region.
U.S. Central Command described the operation as a large-scale response intended to significantly disrupt ISIS’s operational capabilities. Officials indicated that multiple confirmed targets across central Syria were successfully engaged.
President Trump addressed the operation on Truth Social, noting that Syrian authorities supported the action against ISIS positions. He described the region as long destabilized by terrorism and reaffirmed America’s commitment to defending its citizens.
“ISIS carried out a vicious attack against brave American patriots,” Trump wrote. “As promised, the United States has taken strong and serious action. Any group that threatens Americans will face overwhelming consequences.”
Officials have not released specific casualty figures, but defense leaders stressed that the strikes were effective and carefully planned to reduce future threats to U.S. personnel.
The initial attack occurred when ISIS militants targeted forces supporting counter-terrorism efforts, killing Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard of Marshalltown, Iowa; Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar of Des Moines; and interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat of Michigan. Several additional U.S. service members and Syrian personnel were wounded.
President Trump honored the fallen Americans as heroes who served their country with courage. He reiterated that the United States will continue working with partners in the region to confront terrorism and protect American interests.
Earlier this week, Trump attended the dignified transfer of the fallen service members at Dover Air Force Base, joining military leaders and families in paying solemn tribute.
“These were great patriots,” Trump said. “America remembers them — and America stands strong.”